R60/5

R60/5

BMW /5

/5 series 1969 - 1973

BMW offered three models in the /5 series, the primary variations in the models being the cylinder displacements. Actual displacement is 498cc for the R50/5, 599cc for the R60/5, and 745cc for the R75/5. The R75/5 was the first machine of that displacement offered by BMW since the end of World War II. Outwardly the three models are almost completely identical. Curb weight according to the 1973 owner's manual is 412 pounds for the R50/5 and 423 pounds for the R60/5 and R75/5 (less fuel). On the two larger displacement machines an electric starter motor is a standard feature; on the R50/5 it is optional. Concentric float carburetors are featured on the R50/5 and R60/5. The R75/5 uses constant vacuum (CV) carburetors with a 32mm choke. Bing is the manufacturer of both types.

All slash 5 models were air-cooled, four-cycle, horizontally opposed-twin (boxer) engines with hemispherical combustion chambers. Their engine housings are one-piece tunnels housings. The camshaft, driven by a duplex chain, runs at half engine speed and is located below the crankshaft. Valves are actuated by the camshaft through hardened followers, push rods, and rocker arms.

The R60/5 is currently being restored. One of the major items is the full Mitchenall Bros Avon fairing fitted by the original owner Ian Taylor. The fairing has been on the bike since almost its first days in Victoria and is now very worse for wear. I picked up a new screen for the fairing in 1996/1997 but have not fitted this to the bike yet. Here are some pictures of the fairing condition. The fairing has been repaired and now needs to fitted to the bike and some logos added.

Paint Colours used by BMW for the /5 series.

1970 and 1971, the /5 series was available in the following colors:

Color

Glasurit code

Black (schwarz)

#086

Silver

#057

White (feder weiss)

#O84

In 1972 and 1973, the /5 series was available in the following colors.

Color

Glasurit code

Black

#086

Monza Blue Metallic

#538

Silver (polaris)

#060

Granada Red

#023

Feder Weiss

#084

Metallic Gold (also called "curry" in the U.S.)

#029

Metallic Green

#074

Many European police forces used the R75/5 as well. Many were painted a color called "Authority Green" with a Glasurit code of #067.

About Michie.NET

This site is about Trevor Michie's family. Trevor has family mainly in Victoria with a son and daughter (and their families) in Perth, West Australia. He has in-laws in Papua New Guinea - Australia's closest neighbour.